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Munyati Police must be held accountable
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
October 26, 2012

Zimbabwe Human Rights Association is calling for further investigations into a case involving a prisoner, Blessing Matanda who was found dead in a police cell at Munyati police station, Midlands province.

Found on the side of the deceased was a gun; an indication that led to assumptions that it si either he was shot by the police or he had committed suicide. According to an article in a Newsday newspaper dated 25 October entitles "Family refuses to bury "murdered son", the relatives are suspecting foul play and are demanding detailed report of circumstances leading to his death. The police on the other hand are reportedly failing to account for the death and rather advance the assumption that he killed himself with a gun he apparently smuggled into a cell. The only thing speaking to the death is a post mortem report compiled by a United Hospital pathologist confirming that Blessing "died of shock and loss of blood from gun-shot wound on the chest " It is on the lack of clarity that family members are said to be refusing to bury the deceased.

ZimRights is at agreement with the stance taken by the Matanda family, whether the deceased was a criminal or not. We believe that there has to be an explanation so such scenario and that what the Matandas are doing speak volumes of what needs to be done. The family's position sends a very strong message that security of incarcerated people must not be taken for granted. things of that nature do not need to be rushed and be forgotten like nothing has happened. It is surprising that the police are failing to account for the loss of a person who was in their custody. Zimbabweans need an assurance that their lives are safe in police institutions. The assurance is important considering that we are heading for electoral period which in the past have seen several people landing in the hands of the police; some on political.

In any case, with the little interface that we have had with cells and operations of police manning them, we wonder how a person can smuggle a gun into cells. We are sure that scrutinising possesions of dangerous weapons is one reason why thorough security scans were initiated. In any case, even if he had smuggled a gun, the police still has to answer how. It is a sign that someone had not done his /her job. Whether it is the police who committed the murder or not, the police should just have an explanation because once a person is taken by the police, it is the responsibility of the state to monitor. Therefore, further investigation have to be done and culprits should be unearthed and brought to book.

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